According to our reporter, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered INEC to publish the names of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates for the upcoming February 21 FCT Area Council elections.
Justice Mohammed Umar ruled in favor of 17 ADC candidates who challenged INEC’s refusal to allow them electronic access to upload their details. A detailed explanation of how INEC’s candidate substitution process affects election outcomes has been published on NewsVista.
The candidates claimed INEC ignored the list submitted by ADC chairman Senator David Mark. The court found the evidence credible, compelling INEC to recognize and publish the candidates’ names, including Jafaru Shaibu, Ayenajeyi Yakubu, and others.
The judge cited relevant sections of the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, demanding the commission grant ADC portal access immediately. The plaintiffs accused INEC of deliberately blocking their uploads due to signature disputes on substitution letters.
This landmark ruling is set to reshape the electoral process ahead of the FCT polls, ensuring the ADC’s rightful participation.
